Videomaker provides comprehensive coverage of analog and digital
consumer-level video production tools. It gives tips and techniques
appropriate for anyone involved with producing video as a hobby, in
business, or education.

Readership

Videomaker has a circulation of over 80,000. The average Videomaker reader
is male, 45-54 years old and a professional in a field other than video
production. Most of our readers consider themselves intermediate-level
videographers.
Thus, Videomaker encourages its writers to use a conversational,
user-friendly style of writing. All articles-no matter how technically
complicated-should be accessible to the beginning videographer; explain all
technical concepts in layman's language and avoid the use of jargon.

Editorial Attitude

The editorial tone of Videomaker is one of accessibility, enthusiasm and
support for all levels of video producers. It is one of encouragement
towards the beginner, and never ridicules. The tone is not elitist or
condescending, and is always aimed at the grassroots videographer.
Regardless of the style and approaches taken by our writers, artists and
designers their tone and attitude should remain consistent with the
statement above.

General Policies

Videomaker welcomes freelance queries and submissions. We prefer queries; a
query guideline sheet is available. We suggest you request this before
querying us with an article idea. If you've already written an article
suitable for our readership, you can forward it to us on speculation. In
general, our feature stories run about 1500 words in length; however, we
regularly schedule shorter articles as "filler" features. Note: all columns
are written on assignment only. We do not accept column submissions.
If we buy your manuscript, it will become the property of Videomaker with
all rights reserved. With rare exceptions, Videomaker will not accept copy
published or submitted for publication elsewhere. Payment for manuscripts
occurs upon publication. The amount depends on a work's uniqueness,
timeliness, research requirements and length, as well as the amount of
editorial preparation it requires. Writers of accepted submissions receive
contracts outlining publication terms and payment procedures. Writers for
Videomaker are not authorized to represent themselves as agents of the
magazine; contacts must originate from your status as a "freelance writer,"
independent of Videomaker affiliation. As a policy, the Videomaker
editorial and advertising departments generally account for all the
manufacturer solicitations and inquiries-including product loans. Please
heed this policy.

Videomaker Style

The best guide for Videomaker style is a current copy of the magazine. For
style consistency, Videomaker editors refer to The Associated Press
Stylebook. Here's a short list of some of our style guidelines:

Readability

* Write in the active, not passive, voice. For example, instead of writing
"A cutaway can be used to help tell a story," write "Use cutaways to help
tell a story." For those of you with computer grammar checkers, reduce
passive voice constructions to three percent or less. * Write in a clear,
concise and logical style. One way we measure writing clarity is with the
Flesch-Kincaid Index, which formally rates writing complexity. Microsoft
Word for Windows and Mac measures the Flesch-Kincaid Index as part of the
grammar checker. Writing for Videomaker must have a Flesch-Kincaid Index of
11 or less.

Punctuation

* Do not use the Harvard comma. In a series of three or more words or
phrases, do not place a comma before "and" or "or." (e.g., The unit features
an 8:1 power zoom, flying erase head and f/1.4 lens.) * Use a comma in
numerical expressions only with numbers of more than five or more digits.
($1000, not $1,000).

* Spell out "zero" through "nine"; use numerals thereafter.
* Use numerals when referencing identifications (pin 4 or Fig. 6) or
electrical units (9-volt output). * Spell out fractions less than one
(three-quarter-inch); use numerals for fractions greater than one (4 1/4).

Dimensions, Weights, Degrees

* In text, use numerals for amounts, but spell out dimension units. (The
VCR, measuring 15 inches wide by 4 inches high by 13 inches deep, comes with
a 5-foot remote.) In charts and diagrams, abbreviate all units of
measurement. * Use numerals for amounts and spell out weight units, as well
as the word "degree." (The camera weighs 5 pounds, 1 ounce; camera in hand,
he panned 180 degrees.)

Percentages

* Spell out the word "percent" in text. Use decimals instead of fractions
when appropriate. For amounts less than 1 percent, precede the decimal with
a zero. (The price of tripods rose 0.8 percent.) Use the percent sign (%) in
charts and graphs only.

Titles

* Italicize titles of movies, TV series, periodicals and books.

Emphasis

* To emphasize a word or phrase, place it in italics. Videomaker does not
use underscored text.

Jargon and technical terms abound in the video field. Please see attached
"Tricky Little Words" list for Videomaker style on these terms and
abbreviations.

Artwork

Videomaker encourages its writers to make suggestions regarding the
presentation of copy. This includes ideas for page layout, support
photography, charts and illustrations.
Photo submissions can be either color (preferred) or black-and-white.
Prints should be as sharp as possible, with contrast appropriate for
publication. Videomaker prefers color slides or transparencies to prints.
Take the time to write complete, descriptive captions for all diagrams,
tables, listings and photos. Write lightly on the back of photos and other
artwork to identify their origins and specify corresponding copy. Be sure
to identify the sources of all submissions and the individuals or
organizations to credit in print, if necessary. Include a self-addressed
envelope for the return of materials.

Manuscript Preparation

Include your name, address, phone number and social security number on the
first page of your manuscript. * Include headline proposals for the main
text as well as sidebars. * Limit (or break down) paragraphs to six lines
maximum, assuming standard 12-point characters with one-inch margins. *
Write subheadings (breakheads) to "headline" each new section of your
article. Subheadings should serve as transitions marking the natural flow of
the story, from lead to middle sections to conclusion. * Submit diagrams on
separate sheets of paper-not within text. * In lieu of footnoting, include a
bibliography for references. * For the benefit of Videomaker readers, we
encourage you to cite additional reading sources at the end of your
manuscript. * Please include a brief paragraph of biographical information
suitable for publication. Refer to bios found in previous issues of
Videomaker for style examples.

Manuscript Submission

Videomaker encourages submissions via e-mail or on computer disk. We prefer
files saved in Microsoft Word for Windows format or Rich Text Format (RTF).
(As a last resort, you can submit your document as a "text-only" file. Do
not use line breaks.) A double-spaced hard copy of the manuscript should
accompany the disk.
You may e-mail your manuscript to us in one of two ways:
1) Internet users may attach a binary file (RTF or Word format preferred) to
a standard message. E-mail cpeters@videomaker.com. 2) AOL users may attach
an RTF file only to a standard message to Internet address
cpeters@videomaker.com.

Communication

Submit all queries in writing; please do not call. Keep queries as brief as
possible. Send your resume and clips of previously published work with your
query.
Send materials unfolded in a 9- by 12-inch envelope to: Query Editor,
Videomaker, P.O. Box 4591, Chico, CA 95927. Forward overnight, UPS or other
courier deliveries to Videomaker's street address: 920 Main St., Chico, CA
95928. E-mail queries may be sent to Videomaker editors through the
Internet to editor@videomaker.com. Videomaker's FAX number is 916-891-8443.